How to permanently block SMS from spammers and scammers on Xiaomi Redmi

Every day, Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners receive dozens of unwanted messages, from microloans to fraudulent SMS messages asking them to transfer money to a “relative,” according to Kaspersky, spam accounted for 42 percent of total SMS traffic in Russia in 2023, a figure that is growing. The problem is compounded by the fact that standard tools MIUI Often hidden in the depths of the menu, and users are unaware of their existence.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to block unwanted SMS on Redmi (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and flagship series). From built-in MIUI 14 features to third-party applications with an extended filter, you will learn how to permanently get rid of spam without losing important notifications.

1. the blacklist of contacts in the standard appendix "Messages"

The most obvious, but often ignored, way is to use the built-in blacklist in the Messages app (an envelope icon), which works on all Redmi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, including budget models like the Redmi A2 or Redmi 9A. The main advantage is that it does not require the installation of additional programs and blocks SMS at the system level, saving battery power.

To add a number to the blacklist:

• 📱 Open the Messages app and find spam SMS from an unwanted subscriber.
• 👆 Click on the message and hold your finger for 2 seconds until the context menu appears.
• 🚫 Select Block (or Blacklist in older versions) MIUI).
• ✅ Confirm the action by pressing OK in the dialog window.

If you want to block the number proactively (for example, on the basis of known spammers), go to: → ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Spam and blocking → Blacklist.

You can manually enter a number or import contacts from other sources.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 blacklisted blocking does not apply to service SMS from banks (for example, write-off notifications.

Added a number to the blacklist | Checked that messages from him did not come | Removed old spam SMS from the inbox | Set exceptions for bank notifications-->

2. Google Spam Filter (for users of Google’s “Messages”)

Many Redmi owners default on Xiaomi’s standard Messages app, but it’s inferior in functionality to Google’s Messages app (available in the Play Store) has a built-in AI spam filter that automatically sorts unwanted SMS into a separate folder. Importantly, this method only works when you install the default SMS application.

How to set up:

1. Install Messages from Google from the Play Store.
2. Launch the application and allow access to SMS (click Allow in the system window).
3. Move to the ⋮ → Settings → Spam and protection.
4. Activate the switches: 🔍 Filter spam-sms 🛡️ Fraud protection (blocks messages with suspicious links)

Once activated, all spam text messages will be labeled Spam? and automatically navigate to the Spam folder and lock. The main advantage of this method is AI training: the more often you flag messages as spam, the more accurate the filtering becomes.

Messages from Xiaomi| Messages from Google|Other (write in the comments)|I don't know what-->

3. Hidden MIUI settings: blocking by keywords

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature to block SMS by keywords (e.g., microloan, win, transfer) which is not available in the standard interface, but can be activated through Security Settings. The method works on all Redmi with MIUI 13/14, including Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Redmi K50.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find in the Messages list and click on it.
3. Go to Permits. → Additional settings.
4. Activate the Message Filter option (may be called Content Blocking in some firmware).
5. Add keywords through comma, for example: microloan, winning, transfer, urgent, debt, credit, gift

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller require access to your phone book and call history. If you fear data leaks, use offline modes (e.g., in the online app). SMS Blocker can disable sending statistics to the server).

5. Blocking at the operator level (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon)

If spam SMS comes from short numbers (for example, 1234, 5432) or masquerades as service notifications, the lock at the level of the smartphone may not work, in which case the service of spam filtering from the mobile operator will help. All major operators in Russia provide it for free, but you need to activate yourself.

Instructions for popular operators:

Important: once activated, the service can take up to 24 hours to block, and operators do not guarantee 100% filtering, some messages may still slip, and if spam continues to flow, combine this method with built-in MIUI tools.

💡

If you frequently receive spam from the same short number (e.g. 3700), send a complaint to the operator via your personal account. According to the law on advertising (Article 18), the operator is obliged to block such mailings within 3 working days.

6 Radical measures: resetting SMS settings and changing the number

If all of these methods fail, and spammy text continues to overwhelm your Redmi, you'll have to take drastic measures, and one way is to reset the Messages app to factory settings, which will remove all of the stored filter settings and blacklist, but sometimes helps to "reset" the SMS processing system.

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Messages and click on it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action (all SMS and settings will be deleted!).

If spam is linked to a scammer leaking your number, consider changing your phone number, which is a last resort, but sometimes the only one that works.

• 🔄 Transfer all important SMS messages to the cloud (for example, through Google Drive).
• 📋 Make a list of services tied to the number (banks, social networks, instant messengers).
• 🛡️ Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

⚠️ Note: When changing the number, do not forget to update it to Google Account, otherwise you will lose access to the Play Store, Gmail and other services. → Google accounts → Personal information.

💡

Resetting the Messages app deletes ALL SMS without recovery. MIUI Backup (Settings) → The phone. → Backup).

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking SMS on Xiaomi Redmi